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The name Rowanberry is inspired by the Rowan tree, the Celtic tree of life, which has been central to the songs and lore of Ireland and the British Isles since ancient times. The Rowan is a magical tree in which the berries are held most sacred, and are said to grant protection, empowerment, and divine inspiration.

The Rowanberry serves as an ideal symbol for the school, as it represents three vital components to a well-rounded early childhood program: protection, empowerment, and inspiration.


The Teachers

Angela Molloy Murphy is the director of Rowanberry School, and has been an Early Childhood Educator since 1989. She holds a Bachelors degree in Philosophy, and a Masters degree in Education, with a specialization in Early Childhood, from Portland State University. Angela is also a licensed teacher in the state of Oregon.

She is passionate about education, and considers herself a lifelong student as well as teacher. She recently visited Reggio Emilia, Italy to visit the early childhood centers and study from some of the founders of this evolving approach. Angela created Rowanberry School as an inspired culmination of her experience, education, and love of the young child. She is learning more from her own children, Fionn and Rowan, than she ever did in school.


Jake O'Donnell has been a preschool teacher for 5 years. He has a great natural ability to connect with children, supporting their learning through music, art, dance, nature, and especially storytelling. He has worked as a chef, farmer, musician, painter, artist, landscaper, and chimney sweep (think Dick Van Dyke in "Mary Poppins".) All these things are part of his rich personal history, and make him a dynamic, expressive, and loving teacher, excited about his own life, and ready to bring that magic to the lives of the children in his care.